Mangapurua track called "dangerous"

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 675, 25 February 1997, Page 3

Mangapurua track called "dangerous"

The Mangapurua Track east of the Bridge to Nowhere in the Whanganui National Park has been closed due of concerns over the stability of a piece of track, site of a slip prior to Christmas Operations manager Bryon Fawcett says an inspection this week showed some undermining in the area and with impending winter conditions they have decided to close the track. "There are some repairs we can make now but overall the tracks in this area need to be completely rebenched and a safety barrier installed. This will mean digging down about two metres to get a wide enough track on solid ground and will involve considerable time and resources." "We have budgeted for neither this business year and will make a bid to head office to get the work completed as soon as possible." "The track in the area is on slippery papa rock with at least a 60 degree fall-off. That means anyone slipping in the area would probably fall all the way to the river. It's much too dangerous and closure is the only safe option at this stage".